Diving & Travel Guide to Bali
Regional Overview
Bali's main island is one of the most accessible and diverse diving destinations in all of Indonesia, offering an extraordinary range of underwater experiences within a single island. From the legendary USAT Liberty Wreck in Tulamben, where a 120-meter WWII cargo ship rests just meters from shore, to the vibrant coral walls of Menjangan Island in the northwest, Bali delivers world-class diving for every skill level. The island's volcanic geology creates dramatic underwater topographies, including steep drop-offs, pinnacles, and black sand slopes that host some of the richest macro life in the Coral Triangle. The eastern coast around Amed and Candidasa provides stunning reef systems washed by the nutrient-rich Lombok Strait currents, while the northern shores offer calm, crystal-clear conditions perfect for training and photography. What makes Bali truly unique is the combination of exceptional diving with a rich Hindu culture, world-class cuisine, and a well-developed tourism infrastructure that makes extended dive trips both comfortable and culturally rewarding. Whether you are exploring the haunting remains of the Liberty wreck at dawn or photographing pygmy seahorses on the Bio-Rock structures of Pemuteran, Bali's main island provides an inexhaustible wealth of underwater discovery.
Getting There
Bali is served by Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, one of the busiest airports in Indonesia with direct connections to major cities across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. From the airport, the main diving areas of Tulamben and Amed are approximately 2.5 to 3 hours drive to the northeast, while Menjangan Island in the northwest is about 3.5 hours away. The southern dive areas around Padang Bai and Candidasa are much closer, at roughly 1 to 1.5 hours from the airport. Private transfers can be arranged through most dive resorts, and many operators offer complimentary airport pickup for guests booking multi-day dive packages.
Food & Drink
Bali's culinary landscape is one of the richest in Indonesia, blending traditional Balinese flavors with an increasingly sophisticated international dining scene. In the diving hubs of Tulamben and Amed, you will find excellent local warungs serving freshly caught seafood grilled over coconut husks, alongside western-style cafes catering to the international diving community. The signature Balinese dishes are a revelation of complex spice pastes and slow-cooking techniques. Do not miss the chance to try Babi Guling, a whole roasted suckling pig stuffed with aromatic spices, or Bebek Betutu, a duck slow-cooked in banana leaves until meltingly tender. The fresh tropical fruits, including mangosteen, rambutan, and snake fruit, provide the perfect post-dive refreshment.
Diving Stats
Where to Base
Topside Adventures
Visit the ancient Tirta Gangga water palace near Amed
Explore the sacred Besakih Temple on the slopes of Mount Agung
Trek to the summit of Mount Batur for a spectacular sunrise
Discover the Tegallalang rice terraces near Ubud
Visit the traditional Tenganan Aga village for authentic Balinese culture
Relax at the natural hot springs of Banjar near Lovina
Explore the Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) temple complex